Hey! So this is my first LOtR fanfc, and I hope you all deem it sufficent. All of my stories really are labors of love, so please take the tme to review, favorite, all the goods stuff. Please enjoy!
The Fellowship trudged through the heavily wooded silver forest, the golden canopy of the tree tops spreading over them like a woven blanket, allowing sparse patches of the late afternoon sunlight to escape to the forest floor.
They walked in silence, Legolas in the lead followed closely behind by Gimli and Boromir after him, the band of once merry little hobbits clustered behind them and Aragorn bringing up the rear.
They all silently mourned Gandalf, the company quiet, without outbursts of laughter and song. They longed for a reprise from this constant sadness, a sweet wind to blow away the dark clouds that had gathered since they lost Gandalf.
Having left the mines of Moria they were just inside the outskirts of the Elven forest of Lothlórien where they would undoubtedly have council with Elven Lord Celeborn and his lady, Galadriel.
But for now they marched on, a silent somber procession making its way through the rich peaceful wood. Legolas had been on guard ever since dawn, for he had sensed an extra presence. The entity concealed itself well, for he could barely track it, but it seemed to be near.
It was stationary for the most part, staying ahead of them and moving at its own pace, not entirely threatening, but still it was something to draw his attention.
A slight breeze picked up and a smell reached his nostrils, something sweet as though laced with honey and vaguely familiar.
Legolas turned his head and warily scanned the tree line, but finding nothing imposing he let it slip from his mind, trying to tune out Gimli's heavy labored grunts as he lumbered down the well worn forest path. If he was any louder he would scare the birds away, Legolas thought, amused.
As they continued, the road took a slight curve and Legolas got the distinct feeling he was being watched. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and his hand unconsciously tightened on the trusty worn wood bow he held at his side, ready to put it to use if need be.
Suddenly the breeze picked up and there was that scent again. It teased at the edge of his memory, a name he was trying to grasp at. A name from a long time ago, when he was still considered a young man, a name friendly to him.
Just then a slender hooded figure stepped out and blocked his path, brandishing a finely crafted silver sword to his throat. A low voice spoke from beneath the hood "Do not trod another step, for it may be your last"
Legolas shifted slightly, something about that sword struck a chord in his memories. The design of the hilt, the slim pale hand that held it in a steady grip, the scent of sweet honey, the voice that spoke, it was all too familiar.
He heard Gimli, Boromir and Aragorn all stop and tense behind him, no doubt with their hands poised over their weapons.
Boromir spoke, "We carry no ill will for you stranger, stand down or you will suffer-"
Legolas interrupted him, "Peace Boromir" then he turned back to the figure, "let us pass unharmed for we are weary and have faced many trials already"
Suddenly the grip of the sword relaxed, the figure took a step forward and said in a disbelieving voice, "Legolas, is that you?"
A white hand reached from within the dark green cloak to draw back the hood and a familiar feminine face greeted him, pretty features framed by long dark hair, sparkling celadon green eyes and a wide bright smile.
"Aiyla!" Legolas exclaimed, surprised. Aiyla had been a companion of his many years ago, when they were both young. He remembered their adventures well, holding her hand while she trotted across bubbling streams, teaching her how to aim a bow and her teaching him how to brandish a sword, though he never took to it like she did.
From behind Boromir drew in a breath, no doubt regretting his hastily spoken coarse words.
Legolas and Aiyla embraced, Legolas reveling in the feel of her small lithe body against his. It had been a long time since he'd been intimate, in any capacity.
Legolas turned to the rest of his companions, saying "This is my good friend, Aiyla. She is half elven, and we have had many great adventures together, but those are stories for another time. Though some adventures are better left forgotten" This got an enchanting laugh from Aiyla, a beautiful laugh she had, like water flowing over smooth stones.
Introductions were made, after Aiyla apologized for being so hostile. Aragorn bowed low when his turn came, Gimli flashed her what was supposed to be a charming smile, and Boromir took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to it. The hobbits all grinned at her, Merry and Pippin asking her things like if she had any food on her or what her cloak was made of.
Aiyla seemed absolutely charmed by them and as they walked on she seemed to grow fond of them. "I visited the Shire once" she said to the hobbits, "lovely little place it was, and the parties, you hobbits can throw a party" at which point Merry puffed out his chest ridiculously and Pippin grinned like a Cheshire cat.
Boromir took her side then, drawing her attention away from the Halflings "You must have journeyed far to seek council this day. Where are you from?"
"I reside in Mirkwood, though honestly I'm not quite sure where home is anymore. The places where I feel most at home are in the forests and fields untouched by hostile spirits. Where is home for you?" she replied.
"Minas Tirith, the city of my forefathers" Boromir replied.
"Ah yes, the White City. I have never been, but I hope to see it one day" she glanced over at Boromir, seeming to study his face, "I have heard of you Boromir, Captain of the White Tower. You are greatly respected for your devotion to your people. My father was born in Gondor. Will you tell me about Minas Tirith?" she asked.
Boromir smiled, "I would love to, but first tell me about your heritage, I have never met someone who is half elven"
Aiyla smiled up at him and said "My mother is Elvish, but my father was a mortal man. He died when I was young, but I cherish the memories I have of him. He was a nobleman, proud and loyal. He laughed a lot."
"I am sorry, he must have been a great man" Boromir replied.
"Hmm" she said thoughtfully gazing at the forest around her, "I'm not. Death is a part of the balance," she ran her fingers over the smooth bark of the trees as they passed, "Life is a cycle, and everything comes in pairs. For every good thing we experience, there is a bad thing. For every dark place, there is one filled with light. Besides, what is the journey of life if there aren't a few bumps in the road?"
Boromir glanced at her, she was quite beautiful, and tall for a woman. Her pale heart shaped face was turned to the sun, its rays sparking in her bright green eyes and straight dark hair.
"You are very wise" Boromir said as he drew his eyes away from her.
"It comes with age" she said smiling.
Eventually Aiyla and Legolas fell in step, walking beside each other. "So," she said, bumping her shoulder against his as they walked, "how did this company come together? I like your companions, though I'm surprised you tolerate the dwarf"
Legolas smiled, "We were all in Rivendell for a council with Elrond to discuss many things, dark things that are encroaching upon middle earth" he said.
A shadow passed over Aiyla's face as she spoke, "Yes, even in Mirkwood there is darkness. Its once bright paths are shaded with nasty evil clouds"
Legolas frowned, "I hate to think of my realm suffering under the shadow of Mordor"
Aiyla replied "yes, that is part of the reason that I have come to seek Galadriel's council. Those of us in Mirkwood need to unite with those in Lórien. Also I love this forest, so pure and peaceful. Makes all your troubles melt away"
As they had been talking silent marching scores of elves had come up and flanked the companions. Silently they all walked on to meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.
Aiyla walked across the wide lawn atop which a fountain, lit by softly glowing silver lamps, bubbled and spilled into a basin of silver. She'd had to climb many ladders and crossed many flets to reach this place; the dwelling of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. The time of her council was almost at hand.
She nodded in greeting to the Elf-wardens seated at the base of the mighty silver tree, tall and handsome in their grey mail and white cloaks, and one whistled a clear note from a small horn.
Aiyla started up the ladder; it was a long climb but she did not mind. Finally she reached a wide talan upon which a large house was perched. She walked into the oval shaped chamber breached in the center by the tapering top of the tree upon which it was built.
Elves were filing in, filling their seats for the Fellowship who would have their counsel after her. As she entered Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel rose in greeting.
Lord Celeborn spoke first, "Aiyla, it has been a long time since you have been in our fair Lothlórien. What brings you to this realm?"
"Mirkwood, my Lord" Aiyla replied, "the growing threat of Mordor weighs heavy on Elvenking Thranduil's mind, as well as mine. Lothlórien stands like a beacon of hope in the looming darkness. Those in Mirkwood seek protection; an alliance from Lothlórien."
Lady Galadriel smiled a soft, kind smile and replied, "Of course, dear Aiyla, Mirkwood and Lothlórien shall be allies"
Lady Galadriel leaned in close to her, placing a hand on her arm and continued, "A word of advice; the one they call Boromir desires you. I know of your desire for a child" Aiyla flushed and looked down, "Fear not, my dear, Boromir would make a good father, strong and able to protect you. Heed that advice when the time comes"
Aiyla looked up into Galadriel's blue, blue eyes and nodded, "Thank you, my lady" she said. In those eyes she saw her future, both immediate and far off, and it shook her to the core. Yes she would have the daughter she had always wanted, but would it all end happily? That she could not see.
Aiyla thanked Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel and took her leave of them, the Lady's words ringing in her head.
Yes, tonight it would happen. Tonight, after years of searching for the right man, she would get her daughter.